20 Best Holiday Homes in the Cook Islands 🏖️ 2025

Last Updated: 7 June, 2025

The Best Private Holiday Rentals and Holiday Houses in the Cook Islands

Don’t sacrifice privacy and home comforts just because you’re going on vacation. Find your home in paradise in the Cook Islands!

From large family holiday homes on the beaches of Rarotonga to more intimate stays on the sunset coast of Aitutaki, there’s a wide range of private holiday rentals and holiday home complexes to choose from. We’ve whittled it down to the best in value, luxury and locations in this list of the best holiday homes in the Cook Islands.

Before you jump into the list, be sure to open up The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide, containing everything you need to know about planning your trip.

1. Moana Oasis Villa (Rarotonga)

Managed by Rentraro, this huge property is ideal for a couple of families holidaying together on Rarotonga. Moana Oasis Villa features a lavish outdoor pool and a covered barbecue area and is just a short stroll to the beach. The split-level home offers plenty of space, while the high fence encircling the property keeps things nice and private.

You have all you need for self-catering (apart from, you know, the food) with a contemporary kitchen with two fridge freezers and sliding doors connecting to the barbecue area. See more awesome self-catering stays in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Book Moana Oasis Villa:

Moana Oasis Villa on Booking.com

20 Best Holiday Homes in the Cook Islands ????️ [2023]

2. Coast Cook Islands (Rarotonga)

Coast Cook Islands offers a private and secluded beachfront retreat, perfect for groups or families seeking space and tranquillity. This luxury villa, perched on the water’s edge in Turangi, strikes the ideal balance – close enough to Muri for easy access to activities, yet far enough for serenity.

Accommodating up to six people with a minimum six-day stay, the property boasts a spacious villa and separate studio, ideal for older children or teens desiring privacy. The expansive layout ensures comfort for longer stays, while extras like food platters and transfers can be arranged through your hosts.

Guests will love the private lap pool in the back garden and easy access to a white coral beach. With its high level of comfort and seclusion, Coast Cook Islands offers a unique Cook Islands experience that you won’t soon forget.

Book Coast Cook Islands:

20 Best Holiday Homes in the Cook Islands 🏖️ [2025]

3. Cook Islands Holiday Villas (Rarotonga)

Cook Islands Holiday Villas offers a range of private rentals across Rarotonga, catering to various group sizes and preferences.

The Muri Lagoon Villa, a beachfront 2-bedroom property, sits right on Muri Beach. Turtle Villa in Arorangi provides another 2-bedroom option. For larger groups, the Tuoro Holiday Villas comprise four 4-bedroom houses sharing a property, while the Turangi Lagoon Villas feature two 4-bedroom units by the sea.

All accommodations come equipped with modern amenities like BBQs, smart TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Your host, Paul, a charismatic local known for his hot sauce, ensures a genuine Cook Islands experience in these well-located, comfortable villas.

Book Cook Islands Holiday Villas:

4. Are Kapakapa (Aitutaki)

Spacious, airy and secluded, Are Kapakapa offers a delightful holiday home for groups of up to five people in Aitutaki. The location is a little different, out of the way above the old airport runway, but nearby a top mainland snorkelling spot at Base One.

The holiday home is one of the best self-catering accommodations on Aitutaki thanks to its modern kitchen (including a dishwasher!), as well as its barbecue area under a covered verandah with roll-down mosquito covers.

See more stays like this in the 20 Best Family Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Book Are Kapakapa:

5. Te Etu Villas (Rarotonga)

Boasting two exceptional-value holiday homes on Rarotonga, Te Etu Villas is tucked away on the quiet backroads of Tupapa. These villas each feature a private pool, mountain views and open-plan living between the well-presented lounge, kitchen and dining area that opens up to the pool area.

“Te Etu Villa 1” has two bedrooms, while “Te Etu Villa 2” has three. All in all, Te Etu Villas shows guests that you don’t need to be on the beach to have an enjoyable holiday in Raro.

Book Te Etu Villa:

6. Torea Luxury Villa (Aitutaki)

Torea Luxury Villa is the epitome of luxurious holiday living on Aitutaki. This spacious, modern home features three double bedrooms, one single bedroom, and a sofa bed, comfortably accommodating up to eight guests. Perched in a breezy, elevated location, it offers what we consider to be the best views on the island. The naturally cool climate means you won’t need air-conditioning – a real treat!

Your friendly host goes above and beyond, offering car hire assistance, grocery drop-offs, and airport meet-and-greet services. You’ll be welcomed with basic supplies like milk, tea, coconut, and fruit. The villa is impeccably clean and well-maintained, and it includes WiFi for your convenience.

For a truly indulgent stay in what’s arguably the most luxurious holiday home on Aitutaki, book Torea Luxury Villa through Airbnb or their social media channels.

7. Mama Taras Bungalows (Rarotonga)

Try a slice of home-away-from-home paradise on Rarotonga at Mama Taras Bungalows. Set back among the fruit tree gardens in the town of Muri, a small selection of contemporary bungalow holiday homes is available for families or groups of up to four.

Alternatively, enjoy an ultra-contemporary stay in the villa for up to six guests with its own private pool. Either way, you have your own space with self-catering facilities and are within a short walking distance of Muri Beach and its tours and restaurants.

Book Mama Taras Bungalows:

8. Paradise Holiday Homes (Rarotonga)

Either stay in one of the four four-bedroom villas of Paradise Holiday Homes or hire out the whole place for up to 32 people! With mahogany-lined exteriors and interior features, you’d better think “wood is good” at these holiday homes that offer a unique aesthetic on Rarotonga.

A highlight is your personal pool area with a Webber barbecue at the ready. There are oodles of space in each villa, while the property is set back away from road traffic, yet is only a kilometre from Titikaveka Beach.

Book Paradise Holiday Homes:

9. Moana Villa Aitutaki (Aitutaki)

The best choice on Aitutaki for larger groups, Moana Villa Aitutaki sleeps up to six. The hillside three-bedroom villa nestled among tropical forest offers breathtaking views across the island and over the western side of the lagoon – an ideal sunset-viewing position!

Cool off in the small outdoor pool on the deck and enjoy meals together thanks to the well-equipped kitchen and covered outdoor dining area.

Book Moana Villa Aitutaki:

10. Aitutaki Ootu Villa (Aitutaki)

Looking out across the Aitutaki Lagoon and its motu (islands), Aitutaki Ootu Villa offers a fantastic location at Ootu Beach. You have several dining options at your doorstep, as well as the beach with safe swimming and the main departure point for lagoon cruises.

The three-bedroom two-bathroom holiday home is perfect for quiet nights in, however, it provides a full kitchen and a deck with a barbecue.

Book Aitutaki Ootu Villa:

Aitutaki Ootu Villa on Expedia

11. Pacific Palms Luxury Villa (Rarotonga)

This ultra-modern three-bedroom villa in Vaimaanga on Rarotonga is the choice to impress! Pacific Palms Luxury Villa features its own outdoor lap pool, which can be admired from the floor-to-ceiling windows of just about every room of the house.

It’s the ultimate space to entertain with an open-plan layout, including a spacious kitchen with a minibar. All you need to do is get supplies from Wigmore’s Superstore, one of the largest supermarkets on the island, which is a short stroll down the road.

Learn more in A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in the Cook Islands.

Book Pacific Palms Luxury Villa:

12. Muri Beach Villa (Rarotonga)

With two of the three bedrooms at this Rarotonga villa having direct access to the beach, you know you’ve found paradise at the Muri Beach Villa.

The spacious holiday villa is a good option for three couples travelling together or for large family gatherings, where you can enjoy the luxury of a private pool, sundeck with a barbecue, and Muri’s cafe and bar scene just a short walk down the beach. Check out more homes in paradise in the 25 Best Villas in the Cook Islands.

Book Muri Beach Villa:

13. Tavake Villa (Aitutaki)

Bask in the epic sunset at this waterfront holiday home on the shores of the main town of Aitutaki, Arutanga. Tavake Villa is ideal for couples or young families with its one bedroom and a sofa bed in the living area. The self-catering accommodation is well-appointed and offers ways to keep the costs down on meals.

Alternatively, there’s a cafe on-site for an easy cop-out. The main draw is the location, however, where you can enjoy watching the lagoon from your covered deck. The accommodation compares to some of the beach bungalows of Aitutaki, which we list in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Book Tavake Villa:

Tavake Villa on Booking.com

14. Maine Villa (Rarotonga)

In the heart of Muri‘s cafe scene, Maine Villa comprises a two-bedroom villa and a separate studio with simple yet contemporary furniture and fixtures. You might not be on the beaches of Rarotonga, but the gorgeous gardens and deck with a barbecue more than make up for the fact.

Other thoughtful provisions include a torch/flashlight, first aid kit and snorkelling gear to make use of at the Muri Lagoon just a short walk away.

Book Maine Villa:

15. Nikao Beach Bungalows (Rarotonga)

Moments away from the conveniences of Avarua and Rarotonga International Airport yet directly on the sands of Nikao Beach, Nikao Beach Bungalows is the ultimate holiday home for a fly-and-flop vacation.

The spacious two-bedroom villas are a good go-to for families and groups, including a kitchen and a deck with a barbecue and plenty of places to lounge both inside and on the beach. Take advantage of the free-to-use kayaks and the outdoor shower so you’re not dragging sand into the house!

Book Nikao Beach Bungalows:

16. Casa Del Sol (Rarotonga)

Two beautiful, design-driven holiday homes await on the back road of Vaimaanga at Casa Del Sol. Each home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms connected by a spacious alfresco living area.

There’s also a lavish pool shared by the villas among the landscaped gardens. The property is ideal for families holidaying in Rarotonga, featuring a tree house, sandpit, playground and trampoline on-site.

Book Casa Del Sol:

Casa Del Sol on Booking.com

17. Arapati Holiday Homes (Rarotonga)

Arapati Holiday Homes manages the “Arapati” two-bedroom villa, which sits directly on the beach and fits up to six guests, while the “Henry Villa” sleeps a whopping 10!

There’s plenty of space for groups to relax between the spacious living room, outdoor kitchen, elevated deck and the beach. Close to the property is Wigmore’s Superstore. Needless to say, self-catering here is a breeze.

Book Arapati Holiday Homes:

18. Betela Beach House (Rarotonga)

On the sunset coast of Rarotonga and nearby one of the top snorkelling spots, Aora Beach, Betela Beach House offers a funky yet affordable accommodation with a mezzanine bedroom. Enjoy a fruit basket on arrival and snorkelling gear included in your stay, while the stovetop, toaster, microwave and gas barbecue make self-catering a breeze.

The location just off the beach is just the icing on top. See more accommodations close to snorkelling hotspots in the 10 Best Resorts for Snorkelling in the Cook Islands.

Book Betela Beach House:

19. Are Tamarini Beachfront Cottage & River Studio (Rarotonga)

For those seeking their own quiet space on Rarotonga at an affordable price, take a look at Are Tamarini Beachfront Cottage & River Studio. The two-bedroom holiday home in Avarua has a private garden setting leading all the way to the beach.

Considering the price, it’s safe to say that the fixtures and furniture are rather basic but are functional enough for the non-fussy traveller. See similar stays in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Cook Islands.

Book Are Tamarini Beachfront Cottage & River Studio:

Are Tamarini Beachfront Cottage & River Studio on Booking.com

20. Frederick and Ngamata’s Beach House (Rarotonga)

This small yet modern private bungalow sits on the tranquil shores of Matavera. Frederick and Ngamata’s Beach House is ideal for a couple of friends or family members travelling together, thanks to its twin bed set-up.

The layout is an open-plan studio with both indoor and outdoor lounging areas, a kitchen with a stovetop and a separate bathroom. Your holiday home instantly opens onto the sands with some of the best sunrises in Rarotonga.

Book Frederick and Ngamata’s Beach House:

More Holiday Homes in the Cook Islands

Now that you have seen some of our top picks for holiday homes in the Cook Islands, see how they compare to similar styles of accommodation listed in the following articles:

Finally, if you haven’t yet found the perfect place to stay in the Cook Islands, go back to square one with Where to Stay in the Cook Islands: The Best Cook Islands Accommodations or The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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20 Best Holiday Homes in the Cook Islands